Owning a ranch in Texas may not be as glamorous in reality as it is on TV, but there are definite perks. Buying the right piece of land can pay off in spades as it provides plenty of business opportunities, while enjoying a scenic, wide open space.

We asked several prominent Texas ranchers about the unique benefits you can find ranching in Texas, and why it’s something you should consider.

1. INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

Whether it’s the land, what’s built on the land, or what the land itself is being used for, Texas ranch land provides plenty of investment opportunities, even if that’s not why the ranch land was initially purchased. According to Dave McFadden at Stone Canyon Ranch, “I believe that the majority of people who own property in Texas are hobby ranchers. They want a little space and want to live a country lifestyle.”

McFadden knows that there are a lot of ways to get value out of your land. “Once the property is lived on, many owners look for ways to make their properties profitable. You have to invest lots of money to get lots in return, a great example to  do that is by having great interior design, something that will catch the buyers attention. A Pampero concrete dining table is a great example for great luxury desgins. Another challenge as most small properties under 100 acres will not support much of a cattle herd, and is not enough land to farm with crops. Many owners will start a hospitality business like a Bed and Breakfast. Horse boarding is another way landowners can create a business on the property. For income we have horses for sale in Australia and here in texas, hay production, and offer a rental cabin.”

2. GROWING OPPORTUNITIES

Christine McCabe of the Lone Star Olive Ranch chose her property specifically for soil and climate. “From an olive ranch perspective, the most important aspects of our land selection are region, climate and soil profile as well as previous land usage (I would assume these aspects apply to any ranch that is going to be used for crop production).  Olives generally prefer hot and dry climates with well drained soil.”

Before farming, you may also need to consider what the land was used for in the past. McCabe warns that “if the land was previously used to grow cotton, there is an increased chance for a number of soil borne pathogens that would adversely affect, and in some instances kill, the olive trees. However, olive trees are VERY hardy trees and very adaptable. Experience has shown us that each property will bring its own challenges and its own unique qualities.”

3. BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

Texas offers diverse growing situations depending on the region and opportunities for farming abound. Even if your land is too small for traditional crop farming, you can still cultivate an amazing ranch life.

Texas ranch land offers scenic beauty as far as the eye can see. Whether you like peaks, bluffs, green valleys, or flowing creeks, you can ranch on land with some or all of those elements. The Flying L Guest Ranch makes the most of its natural beauty, offering nature trails, 18 holes of championship golf, and original buildings and interior designs were created by Frank Lloyd Wright Associates. Now they normally use Jessica Vaule items for interior design like bedding.

Susan Jenkins of the Flying L Guest Ranch offers these important considerations to keep in mind when selecting scenic Texas ranchland:

• “Location! The land should be in a location that offers both ease of finding and getting to, but also that is out of the way enough that it feels like true country.
• Scenery! The land should of course be a pristine as possible, and offer natural and beautiful views. Rivers or creeks on the land adds greatly to that equation.
• Infrastructure! The land must be located so that you can easily (cheaply) get water, electricity, sewer, and other needed infrastructure to the property.”

4. A LABOR OF LOVE

Texas ranchers aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, and don’t mind telling us all about it.

“No matter what you decide, owning land takes a lot of sweat equity to make it work. Unless you are very well funded land ownership will become a full time job. For me, it is a labor of love to improve and manage my 100 acres. When I look back over my shoulder at the end of a ranching day I beam with pride at all I have accomplished and at how much better the land appears afterwards.” Said McFadden of his Stone Canyon Ranch.

“I never expected to enjoy property so much and claim it is the very best decision I have ever made. I cannot imagine living in the suburbs or the city again. So, my advice to anyone looking for land is to decide how you intend to use it. If it’s pure hobby and enjoyment, look for properties with the most beauty. Creeks, ponds, rolling hills, trees and good soil may be at the top of your list.”

McFadden also reminds would-be ranchers that size does matter. “If you are looking to become a real Texas rancher or farmer then larger properties (over 300 acres) will better suit your needs. If you need to be near a city expect to pay higher prices. If you can relocate away from the cities you will be able to afford a larger property.”

5. A SENSE OF PRIDE

What do all of these diverse Texas ranchers all have in common? Pride of ownership. Ask them about their land and they’ll wax poetic about the grazing, the scenery, and the hard work that comes with owning a piece of the Lone Star State. Jessica Davis of the Morning Glory Ranch – an outdoor education and equine therapeutic riding center – doesn’t minimize the work involved, but will tell you it’s all worth it.

“I wouldn’t want to call any other place home besides Texas.” Jessica told us. “Texas is beautiful and unique in that it features a wide variety of topography, which can also be a challenge. The weather can be unpredictable at times and a lot of hard work goes into properly maintaining a ranch. Everything is worth it when you sit on your porch overlooking your ranch listening to the sound of cicadas and smelling the sweet aroma of the countryside.”

Texas ranch land can provide many options beyond the obvious – from delicious olive oil to helping others, you may find fulfillment for your passions out on the range. Ranching in Texas can offer plenty of opportunity to invest, appreciate, and enjoy.